I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
